Importance of fighting against substance abuse, illicit trafficking underscored
Source: The Sangai Express

Bpr/CCPur/Chd/Kak/Spi/Tbl/Ukl, June 26 2024: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed across the State under the theme "The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention" highlighting the importance to fight against substance abuse and illicit trafficking for a drug-free society.

Assam Rifles

Assam Rifles organized impactful rallies, oath taking ceremonies and awareness campaigns across various villages in Manipur on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. In a united effort to combat substance abuse and illicit trafficking, Assam Rifles led a rally and awareness lecture in Sehlon, Aibol Joupi, and Yangnomphai villages in Chandel district, said a statement by the Assam Rifles.

Importance of fighting against substance abuse, illicit trafficking underscored

An oath taking ceremony at Mantripukhri was attended by 250 personnel where an oath was taken to refrain from drug abuse and be cautious of drug menace to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Simultaneously, an anti-drug awareness campaign was conducted in Shakpao village, Ukhrul district.

The event began with a welcome note followed by sensitization sessions on the impacts of drug abuse and the importance of a drug-free society.

The attendees took a pledge to abstain from drugs and to motivate the youths to avoid contraband items.

Awareness drive on 'International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking' was also conducted in multiple villages across Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts aimed at raising awareness about the devastating effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

These initiatives raised awareness and engaged the community in the critical issues of drug addiction, trafficking and highlighted the importance of collective action in creating a safer and healthier environment.

Kakching

In line with the observance, an anti-drug awareness rally was carried out by the personnel of District Police Kakching spreading the message to abstain from using drugs thereby striving for a drug free society.

The rally was flagged off from Kakching Police Station and was carried out till Kakching Bazar Khongnang Mari Phangba.

Later the police personnel gathered at Kakching Bazar Naohal Lai and chanted slogans against substance abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs.

Speaking in connection with the rally, Additional SP Law & Order, Kakching district, A Romendro appealed to all to refrain from sale and use of drugs.

He also underscored the need of helping the drug users to lead a life of normalcy.

Senapati

Senapati District Police observed the day by organising public rallies, awareness campaigns and pledge taking ceremony at various police stations in the district.

The personnel of the Senapati Police Station in association with the Women Police Station staged a rally at Senapati Bazar followed by a pledge taking ceremony.

In line with the observation, Mao Police Station conducted a public awareness campaign in collaboration with the civil society organizations (CSOs) .

Tadubi Police Station also conducted an awareness programme on drugs abuse and illicit trafficking at Mt Gibeon Higher Secondary School, Tadubi.

The Purul Police Station too conducted an awareness cum pledging ceremony while Tungjoy Police Station personnel along with civilians observed the day by conducting an awareness programme on the menace of drugs.

Thoubal

To mark the observation, the District Police Thoubal organised a public rally to raise awareness against substance abuse.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Thoubal, Rakesh Balwan flagged off the rally from the sacred site of Khongjom Kheba Chingkhong which culminated at Khongjom Police Station.

A large number of students from different schools and personnel of District Police Thoubal took out the rally carrying the message of a drug- free society.

The rallyists used placards which read 'Be Drug Free and Be Yourself', 'Drugs are the dead end road', 'Choose life not drugs', 'Drugs are not the answer', etc .

Prior to taking out the rally, the SP administered an anti-drug pledge to abstain oneself from drugs and fight against substance abuse collectively.

Ukhrul

Ukhrul District Police observed "International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking" by organising a mass public rally which began from the Court complex and culminated at Mini Secretariat Office Complex Hamleikhong, Ukhrul.

Ahead of the public rally, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Ukhrul Dingringam Kamei stressed on the need of making concerted efforts and delivering the responsibilities sincerely to achieve the aim of a drug free society.

Additional SP Ukhrul Ringthing Hongchui while speaking at the occasion, expressed that the main objective of organising the public rally is to spread the awareness far and wide about the social impact and drug menace to the society.

SDPO Ukhrul Hopkinson Chiphang administered the public pledge to fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking and to free Ukhrul district from drugs.

Recalling the time when he was posted at Ukhrul, the SDO said, 'It was a disturbing sight to see the farmlands of Molnom village covered with poppy plantation and the Bakshi ground filled with syringes left by the drug users' .

Stating that substance abuse and illicit activities will ultimately lead to degradation of society, he urged all to take precautions to avoid unwanted outcomes. Dr Yuithingla Vashum DACO Ukhrul highlighted the grim situation of Ukhrul from a medical perspective.

According to her, many youths between 18-30 years which is the most productive stage are getting addicted to drugs which is a serious concern.

Highlighting the grim situation in Ukhrul with regards to substance abuse, she said, '1026 persons are taking Opioid substitution therapy (OST) from the Government Health Facilities Centres in Ukhrul and 96 overdose cases were reported in 2023' .

On the other hand, the Ukhrul District Police staged a rally to raise awareness on the importance of fighting against substance abuse.

OC Ukhrul Police Station, Chuingam informed that the Ukhrul police as a part of the War on Drugs campaign, over 500 acres of poppy plantations were destroyed this year to actualise the vision of a drug free Ukhrul.

ADM Ukhrul Kajagai; CEO David Kashungnao; CMO Dr Kapangring A Shimray; Administrator OSC Chonchuirinmayo, leaders of Tangkhul social organizations and personnel of Ukhrul police, MR and BSF took part in the programme.